Spanish FA postpones 24 Copa del Rey ties after fatal Toledo train crash

The Spanish football federation (Rfef) has postponed all 24 Copa del Rey ties scheduled for Wednesday following the fatal train crash near Madrid.At least 64 people are dead after two high-speed trains collided in Spain. A government spokesperson for the Castilla La Mancha region said the two trains crashed just after 9am, causing two carriages to derail, with local authorities warning the death toll could rise.A total of 544 people were travelling on the two trains impacted by the incident, which occurred between the towns of Mora and Orgaz, and involved a Renfe and an Iryo high speed train travelling from Madrid to Seville.A statement from Rfef read: “As a sign of respect and solidarity with all the victims of the tragic train accident that occurred early Wednesday morning in the province of Toledo, the Rfef (Royal Spanish Football Federation) has suspended all 24 matches of the first round of the Spanish Championship-Copa del Rey (King's Cup) originally scheduled for this afternoon and evening.“The Rfef will announce the revised tournament schedule and the final times for the postponed matches in the coming days.“The great Spanish football family remains united in grief at the tragedy, offering their support to the authorities to help the victims of this devastating accident.”Top-flight teams including Valencia, Celta Viga and Real Betis - who currently sit fourth in LaLiga - were all due to begin their Copa del Rey campaigns this evening.The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona enter the tournament during the round of 32 in December due to their involvement in the Spanish Super Cup,Real Madrid are among the clubs to express its condolences following the crash.At least 46 people are feared to be dead after two high-speed trains collided in the Spanish capital (AFP/Getty)“Real Madrid C.F. wishes to express its deepest sorrow over the tragic railway accident that occurred in the province of Toledo,” a statement read.“The club extends its condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, as well as its affection and solidarity to the injured and all those affected by this terrible accident.“Real Madrid would like to express its full support to the emergency services and all those working in the rescue efforts, and shares in the grief of everyone impacted during these moments of profound sadness.”Atletico Madrid also put out a statement, reading: “We join in the grief for the victims of the terrible railway accident that occurred this morning in the province of Toledo. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those who have passed away and wish a speedy recovery to all those injured.”